Illinois is home to many large corporations, government agencies, and educational institutions, which creates a strong demand for cybersecurity professionals. According to CyberSeek, a resource for cybersecurity job data, Illinois has a high demand for cybersecurity talent with over 26,000 job openings in the state as of April, 2023. This is a 25% increase from just two years ago in 2021, where the job openings were 21,000. This is due to the cybersecurity risks businesses face that need to be mitigated.
The top cities in Illinois for cybersecurity job opportunities include Chicago, Schaumburg, and Scott Air Force Base. The most in-demand cybersecurity jobs in Illinois are Security Analysts, Network Engineers, and Information Security Managers.
Illinois also has several universities that offer cybersecurity degree programs and training, including the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Illinois Institute of Technology, and DePaul University.
Overall, the cybersecurity talent pool in Illinois appears to be strong, with a high demand for professionals and a variety of educational resources available.
How difficult is it to get into cybersecurity?
Getting into cybersecurity can be challenging, but it is not impossible. Like many other fields, it requires a combination of education, training, and experience. Cybersecurity is a highly technical and specialized field that requires a strong understanding of computer systems, networks, and software.
To enter the field of cybersecurity, you will need to have a solid foundation in computer science, information technology, or a related field. You may consider obtaining a bachelor’s or master’s degree in cybersecurity, computer science, or a related field. Some cybersecurity professionals also hold certifications such as CompTIA Security+, Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), or Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH).
In addition to formal education and certifications, gaining practical experience is critical in the cybersecurity field. You can gain experience by participating in cybersecurity competitions, internships, or volunteer work. Building a strong network of professional contacts can also help you find job opportunities in the field.
It is worth noting that the cybersecurity field is constantly evolving, and staying up-to-date on the latest technologies and techniques is essential to being a successful cybersecurity professional. Continuous learning and development are necessary to remain competitive and meet the demands of the industry.
Overall, while it may be challenging to enter the cybersecurity field, with the right education, training, experience, and dedication, it is possible to build a successful career in this exciting and critical field.
Cybersecurity Pay in Illinois
Cybersecurity pay can vary depending on several factors, such as location, industry, job role, level of experience, and certifications. However, in general, cybersecurity is a well-paying field with salaries that often exceed those in other IT fields.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for information security analysts in the United States was $102,600 as of May 2021. However, the top 10% of information security analysts earned more than $160,000, while the lowest 10% earned less than $58,000.
In Illinois, the average salary for cybersecurity professionals is around $79,000 per year, according to Indeed.com. However, this can vary based on location, industry, and job role.
Certifications can also impact cybersecurity pay. For example, according to Global Knowledge, the average salary for a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) is $116,000 per year, while a Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) can earn an average salary of $104,299 per year.
Overall, cybersecurity pay can be quite competitive, and many employers are willing to offer generous salaries and benefits packages to attract and retain top talent in the field.